R.W.

McQuarters

McQuarters was supposed to be the nickel back in Chicago this season, but stepped in for injured Jerry Azumah.

McQuarters should be lined up opposite rookie Roy Williams. Starter Jerry Azumah is out until November.

While an official diagnosis will not come from Lovie Smith until today, the coach was not optimistic. “It’s not an ideal situation,” Smith said. “I don’t know exactly how bad it is. I guess he’ll be out a while.” McQuarters was expected to start in place of Jerry Azumah. Now the Bears may have to use Todd McMillon or rookie Nate Vasher.

Expect Green Bay to pass more this week versus the depleted Chicago secondary. Could be nice for Robert Ferguson and Javon Walker.

It looks like McQuarters will be ready to start this Sunday. That’s great news for Chicago, who would have had to start a third-stringer. Original starter Jerry Azumah is out indefinitely.

Chicago wants to keep it’s defensive playmakers on the field. McQuarters is probably having his best season as a pro.

The Lions secondary can survive against the Bears this weekend, but could be in trouble against Minnesota’s multi-receiver attack in week nine.

McQuarters is a great pickup for the G-Men. He adds necessary depth to the secondary and should be a shot in the arm for New York’s struggling return units.

The Lions would have preferred the rehabbing Ty Law over McQuarters but couldn’t let McQuarters get away. ''I love Ty Law and I want to think I would still consider him, but right now, with where we’re at, I wanted to make sure I’m getting something,’' GM Matt Millen said Friday. This could mean no long-term deal for return specialist Eddie Drummond.

McQuarters is a decent nickel back, and played a little safety last season. The Chiefs could be interested.